Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technician

Salary range:

$33,363 – $50,107

Minimum training

Associate's degree; state-issued license required

Job description:

A medical lab technician (or clinical lab technician) performs routine tests in a medical laboratory for use in treatment and diagnosis of disease. They prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of disease. A medical lab technician also prepares tissue samples for pathologists and performs medical laboratory tests like urine analysis and blood counts. A medical lab technician uses microscopes, chemicals, complex precision instruments and computers to do their work.

Work environment:

A medical lab technician or clinical lab technician works in hospitals or independent laboratories.

Training requirements:

A medical lab technician or clinical lab technician is required to earn an associate's degree. They are licensed by the State of California Department of Public Health.

Other jobs in healthcare offer great pay, opportunities for advancement and require only a few months or years of training. They can also be stepping stones to better-paying healthcare jobs in the future.

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